IKEA Sylvia Park is opening with a Kiwi-only pavlova and a menu built for local tastes.

When doors open on Thursday, December 4, shoppers will find Swedish favourites beside New Zealand fish and chips, lamb pie and fresh salads, giving families from across Auckland, including the Hibiscus Coast, another reason to make a day of it.

Centre stage is the $4 Lingonberry Pavlova, created only for New Zealand.

Crisp meringue, soft cream and lingonberry jam nod to Swedish roots while backing the Kiwi Christmas habit of finishing with pavlova.

On the hot plates, NZ Fish and Chips made with hoki and an NZ Lamb Pie with kumara sit alongside meatballs, plant balls and vegetable balls.

A salmon poke bowl and fresh salads, including Thai Beef and Pumpkin with Hummus, draw on New Zealand produce to keep the menu light and summery.

Another talking point will be the Eatball Medley, a tasting plate of twelve meatballs, plant balls and vegetable balls with mash, cream sauce and lingonberry jam so customers can pick a favourite from day one.

Food Manager Daniel Souza said the team visited 500 homes across the country to learn which dishes feel most local, and fish and chips and pies topped the list.

“Food is central to the IKEA experience and a huge part of our success in New Zealand… hungry customers buy less,” he said, explaining that the menu is built to keep people in store longer with family and friends.

There are three places to try it all in store.

The sit-down Swedish Restaurant offers the full menu and runs daily from 9am to 8pm, with breakfast from 9am to 11am.

After the checkouts, the Bistro serves grab-and-go hot dogs, cinnamon buns and soft serve, while the Swedish Food Market opens from 10am to 9pm for frozen meatballs, lollies and other favourites to take back home to the Hibiscus Coast.

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